The Indian Performing Right Society Limited (“IPRS”) has always been concerned with the welfare of its members. Protecting the rights of Composers, Songwriters, and Publishers since 1969 - the year of its inception, the IPRS has stood like a rock for the creator community. To see talented creators, suffer for lack of knowledge about their rights and opportunities is truly disturbing and got them thinking about the corrective measures needed to rectify the situation. 

As a responsible Copyright Society, the IPRS was keenly aware of the economic turbulence its members went through during the pandemic. The Society also observed the multitude of doubts and queries its members had, in this rapidly transforming music landscape. Stemming from this concern, a need to launch the initiative to inform, educate and empower its members emerged. Reaching out to its members through this initiative became one of the prime objectives of the IPRS. 

Initiating the journey in this direction, IPRS decided to start a series of workshops for its members. The pan-India Workshops are a great eye-opener for IPRS members, benefitting their creative journey and career. The Knowledge Workshop aptly titled "Learn and Earn" took off earlier this year successfully conducting sessions in cities across the country. 

With a tradition of live performances and non-film music, the Punjabi music industry has been leading the non-film music sector in India for quite some time now. People all over the country and abroad listen to Punjabi songs, even when many may not fully comprehend the language, as if to endorse the long-held belief that music has no language. Punjab's rich musical heritage includes some of the most amazing musicians in genres like Gurbani Music, Sufi Music, Folk, and Punjabi Pop Music. Punjabi music also includes genre-defying independent artists, who attended the Learn and Earn Workshop in large numbers. The event was made even more notable for the presence of the leading luminaries of the music business, particularly from Chandigarh, comprising leading composers, songwriters, publishers, and all esteemed IPRS members.

The focal point of discussion at the workshop centred around copyright in music, related areas like the importance of music licensing, and the emerging trends and technological advancements in the digital era. It also encapsulated the role of copyright societies like IPRS is playing in protecting creators' rights and their rightful dues in the burgeoning music industry.

Applauding the initiative, legendary singer, songwriter, and actor Gurdas Maanji, said, “As a member of IPRS, I am so happy that IPRS is conducting these knowledge workshops to create awareness among the music creators and artists on copyright, royalties, and technical matters related to music. This will be an added advantage for creators to work in the music industry. I am very glad that IPRS has shouldered such a big responsibility of educating music makers about all that is relevant. My best wishes to all music lovers and creators. Finally, my message to all music users is to take a license for the music they are using”.

Applauding the initiative Lyricist, Composer, and Producer, Bunty Bains said, “The music of Punjab is wide and varied. Music creators from multiple genres have contributed to the vast repertoire of Punjabi music for ages. Unfortunately, though, most songwriters and composers are unaware of their rights and the various facets of the music industry beyond creation, instrumental in fuelling their creativity and earnings. The Learn and Earn campaign launched by IPRS is a great initiative to create awareness about the rights of Creators and Music Publishers. Musicians associated with the Music industry in India are oblivious to the benefits and role of a copyright society and the rights assigned by the Copyright Law. Ignorance is not an excuse anymore. I'm glad that IPRS is organising knowledge workshops for its members to upskill and excel."